Artificial lens including a lens system having eccentric axes for use in an eye having an enlarged pupil and method

ABSTRACT

An artificial lens including a lens system having eccentric axes for in an eye having a macula and an enlarged natural pupil is shown. The artificial lens comprises a first optical lens system and a second optical lens system. The principal axis of each optical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distance between each principal axis is selected to enable the first optical lens system and the second optical lens system to be operable within the enlarged pupil. The lens system of the artificial lens system directs light rays from each image of each lens of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. In the preferred embodiment, a prism having a preselected diopter power is positioned on a selected surface of one of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system for directing light rays from an object onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. A contact lens having an eccentric optical system is also shown.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/123,588 filed Jul. 28, 1998, now pending, which is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/854,162filed May 9, 1997 which is a Division of Ser. No. 08/352,381 filed Dec.8, 1994, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to the field of ophthalmic optics andartificial lens adapted to be affixed to an eye and more specificallyrelates to an artificial lens adapted to be located in an eye having amacula and an enlarged pupil wherein the artificial lens comprises anoptical lens system wherein each principal axis is eccentric to eachother for directing light rays from each image of each lens onto thefovea centralis of the macula of an eye. In the preferred embodiment afirst lens system having a prism directs paracentral light rays from anear object onto the fovea centralis of the macula and a second lenssystem having a prism positioned in a cooperating relationship to thefirst lens system directs central light rays from a distant object ontothe fovea centralis of the macula of an eye.

[0004] This invention also relates to method for producing multipleimages of an object for an eye having an enlarged pupil using an opticallens system wherein the principal axis of each lens system is eccentricto each other.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] It is known in the art that when the optical power of the naturaleye is emmetropic, the eye is naturally focused for distance with theciliary body at rest. The natural eye has the ability to change(increase or decrease) the converging power of the natural (crystalline)lens for near vision and for intermediate vision, that is vision in therange of about 10″ to about 18″ or 20″.

[0007] With aging, the eye's natural (crystalline) lens loses itsability to adequately increase its converging power. In order to providefor a sharp focus near vision, it is known in the art to make use ofartificial lens systems. It is also known in the art to utilize aplurality of artificial lens systems such as spectacles (sometimesreferred to as glasses), contact lens, intraocular lens, corneal lensand intracorneal lens, all of which are utilized to produce a focusednear vision. Such lens systems are designed to use concentric lenssystems for distant and near images and the images are passed throughthe natural round pupil as the only entrance of light to the retina.

[0008] Spectacles (sometimes referred to as glasses) are well known inthe art and are selected to have a diopter power to produce thecorrection required to focus near vision. Also, it is known in the artthat such glasses or spectacles comprise bifocal lens for near anddistant vision correction or trifocal glasses for near, intermediate anddistant correction vision, all of which use the central rays through thelens system chosen by the patient for use.

[0009] Contact lens likewise are well known in the art. Typical of theknown prior art which describes contact lens are U.S. Pat. No. 3,034,403relating to a contact lens of apparent variable light absorptioncharacteristics; U.S. Pat. No. 3,270,099 which relates to a method formaking multi-focal length, concentric contact lens and U.S. Pat. No.4,402,579 which discloses and teaches various concentric axes contactlens structures.

[0010] Typically, contact lens are positioned over the anterior surfaceof the pupil. The natural crystalline lens and iris remain in place andperform their natural functions and cooperate with the contact lens tofocus the appropriate images on the fovea centralis of the macula.

[0011] It is also known in the art to utilize prisms in glasses andspectacles both located along the same axis to improve the image focusedon the natural crystalline lens.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,878 discloses a single lens in FIG. 6 thereofhaving a prism and wherein the lens is located in the posterior chamber.

[0013] It is also known in the art to utilize intraocular lens toreplace the natural crystalline lens in a cataracts operation.Intraocular lens are implanted into either the anterior chamber orposterior chamber of the eye and are utilized in place of the naturalcrystalline lens. Typical of such intraocular lens are U.S. Pat. No.4,010,496 which discloses a bifocal lens which is positioned within theanterior chamber; U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,060 which discloses an intraocularlens having a lens body and a plurality of lens-centering filamentsextending outwardly in a common plane from spaced rim portions of thelens body; U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,499 which discloses intraocular posteriorchamber lens and U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,732 which discloses an optical lenswherein the lens body has integral therewith a predetermined area whichis adapted to selectively intercept and pass light through the lens bodyin a manner to obtain an optical effect for substitution of the loss ofaccommodation of a phakic, aphakic and pseudophakic eye.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,080 discloses an optical lens havingstenopaeic openings located in the central area thereof which producesparallel light transmitting paths for passing light rays along a pathdefining the visual axis of the eye and forwarded onto the foveacentralis in a manner to obtain an optical effect by increasing thedepth of focus of the eye in order to substitute for the loss of atleast one of the focusing powers and the accommodation of the eye.

[0015] Artificial lens are also known in the art which are capable ofbeing implanted onto the cornea anterior to the stromal surface of aneye. The artificial lens becomes encapsulated by growth of the cornealepithelium of the cornea of the eye over the anterior surface of theimplanted lens implanting the same. One such artificial lens fabricatedfrom a collagen-hydrogel material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,112,350.

[0016] The natural (crystalline) lens degrades as the age of anindividual approaches the 40-to-50-year-age range such that the naturallens can no longer adequately change shape due to an increase inrigidity and loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye causing defectiveaccommodation and inability to focus sharply for near vision. Thiscondition is referred to as a presbyopia.

[0017] When this occurs, an individual requires additional convergingpower (plus) for near vision. This is commonly supplied by the lowerlens in a bifocal artificial lens, such as glasses. As the individualapproaches the age range of 65-to-70-years, substantially all of thenatural converging powers of the lens is lost and additional convergencefor near requirement must be made stronger. In such instances, thebifocal lens of the glasses, contact lens or artificial lens must supplyall the convergence of light for near vision.

[0018] Following cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation,there remains the need for additional convergence of light for nearvision. With monofocal intraocular lens (“IOL”) focused for distance,the near vision convergence must be completely supplied by the bifocalglasses or a single vision reading glasses.

[0019] Multiple lens IOLs are known in the art and typically createmultiple light rays or images which are directed on the macula. Theartificial lens disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,034,403 and 4,976,732described above produce multiple light rays for the eye. Typically, themultiple lens IOLs do not have provisions for restricting the light fromnear and far and spontaneously flood the macula with excess light. Also,light passing through multiple lens IOLs enters the eye through each ofthe optical systems resulting in both a sharp image and a blurred imageof the same image impinging upon the fovea centralis of the macula. Thisresults in: (a) loss of color purity; (b) loss of contrast; and (c)inability of the retina to adapt since the brain perceives the floodingand receipt of extraneous light as too much light.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,245 discloses an implantable lens or contactlens adapted for use in an eye having a natural pupil as a replacementfor a defective natural lens in the eye in which various portions of thelens have different powers and focal lengths to produce in-focus imageson the retina of objects which are located at various distances from theeye, thereby substituting for the natural focusing action of the eye.

[0021] An intraocular lens that functions as a regular intraocular lensand, in tandem with or concentric with a high plus spectacle lens, as aGalilean telescope, was described in an article entitled “The TelescopicIntraocular Lens” by Jeffrey Koziol, M. D., which appeared at pages 43and 44 of a compilation of papers presented at the Eleventh NationalScience Writers Seminar in Ophthalmology, Sep. 16-Sep. 19, 1990, atUniversal City, Calif. (the “Koziol Reference”). The Koziol Referencedescribes the telescopic intraocular lens as a teledioptic lens having aperipheral convex and central concave (minus) portion which haveconcentric axes. A full range of visual field and normal image size isachieved with the teledioptic lens. A magnified image is obtained whenan image in a visual field is viewed through the minus portion of thelens and a high-plus spectacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] None of the prior art discloses, teaches or suggests anartificial lens system adapted to be affixed to an eye having anenlarged natural pupil involving the separation of retinal images anddirecting light rays from both near and far images such thatsimultaneously different light rays of the same object strike the foveacentralis of the macula. In the preferred embodiment portions of thelight rays are directed to locations superior and inferior to the foveacentralis of the macula.

[0023] The known glasses or spectacles having a prism do not place theprism on a selected surface of a lens to produce and direct disparateimages to the fovea centralis of the macula.

[0024] The lens system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,878 does notdisclose, suggest or teach an optical system having a first lens systemand a second lens system for an eye having an enlarged natural pupil.The use of a prism in a single lens system does not result in theproduction of disparate images

[0025] The intraocular lens of the prior art utilized in the eyefunction to pass light rays of both near and far vision images onto thefovea centralis of the macula. Under certain light conditions, themacula is flooded with excess light thereby making it more difficult forthe brain to interpret the image due to the presence of excess and notcompletely focused light.

[0026] In multiple lens IOLs, numerous light rays are presented to themacula through the multiple optical systems resulting in both a dull,less intense sharp image and a dulled, less intense blurred image of thesame object. As a result, the retina is unable to adapt to the multipleimages since the brain perceives the flooding of extraneous light andthe blurred image as additional light making dark adaptation thereofdifficult. The result is inadequate stimulation to drive the neurons.This is made worse when low illumination is present, such as at eveningor at night.

[0027] The lens implant or contact lens system of U.S. Pat. No.4,906,245 does not disclose, suggest or teach an optical system having afirst lens system and a second lens system for implantation in an eyehaving an enlarged natural pupil.

[0028] The telescopic intraocular lens of the Koziol Reference requiresuse with a high plus, concentric spectacle to develop a magnified image.

[0029] The present invention relates to a novel, new and unique lenswhich is in the form of an artificial lens including a multifocaloptical lens system having eccentric axes which is affixed to an eye.The lens of the present invention overcomes each of the above problemsassociated with the prior art while concurrently producing a system fordeveloping specific light rays from near and distant images of objectswhich are focused on the fovea centralis of the macula.

[0030] The artificial lens of the present invention is adapted for usein an eye and comprises means adapted to be affixed to an eye havingmultifocal optical lens system wherein the principal axis of each lensis eccentric to each other for directing light rays from each image ofeach of the multifocal lens onto a fovea centralis of the macula of aneye. In the preferred embodiment, the artificial lens includes an imageproducing means comprising a first lens having a predetermined diopterpower for receiving a near image and a prism having a preselecteddiopter power. The prism is positioned on a selected surface of thefirst lens and directs paracentral light rays from a near object ontothe fovea centralis of the macula of the eye and central light rays ofthe near object superior of the fovea centralis of the macula. Theartificial lens includes a second lens having a predetermined diopterpower positioned eccentrically inferior of the first lens for receivinglight rays from a distant object. The second lens may include a secondprism having a preselected diopter power. The second prism is positionedon a selected surface of the second lens and directs paracentral lightrays from the distant object onto a fovea centralis of the macula of theeye and central light rays from the distant object inferior of the foveacentralis of the macula. Also, a method is disclosed herein forproducing multiple images for an eye comprising the step of affixing toan eye an artificial lens having a multifocal optical lens systemwherein the principal axis of each lens is eccentric to each other fordirecting light rays from each image of each lens of the multifocaloptical lens onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye.

[0031] There is no provision to selectively minimize or eliminate thelight rays from one system while utilizing the other lens system. Withthe novel design of the present invention, the vertical eccentricarrangement of the lens systems makes it possible to selectivelyminimize the light rays from one of the lens systems by utilizingvariations of eye lid positions in relation to the lens systems. Forexample, when concentrating on an object of regard, that is the specificobjected desired to be viewed, from a distance through the distance lenssystem, the near lens system can be partially or completely occluded bythe user intentionally lowering the upper lid. This results in“purification” (decrease in unfocused light) of the distance image. Withthe user adapts to use of the lens, the user's positioning of the eyelidoccurs without conscious attention. As the unused lens system isminimized by the lid, the brain perceives the change as “better” and itbecomes natural to “purify” the image of the object of regard.

[0032] Although it is known in the prior art to utilize prisms inglasses, the prior art does not disclose, teach, suggest utilizing anartificial lens within the eye having a multifocal optical lens systemwherein the principal axis of each lens system is eccentric to eachother for directing light rays from each image of each lens of themultifocal optical lens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula ofan eye. The artificial lens of the present invention maintains aseparation of light rays from images of the two lens systems such thatthe fovea centralis of the macula will not be simultaneously presentedwith a fuzzy image and a clear image of the same object.

[0033] Thus, one advantage of the present invention is that theartificial lens system in the preferred embodiment is arranged such thatthe first lens system located superiorly in the eye having an enlargednatural pupil, when in use, permits light to pass therethrough onto thefovea centralis of the macula thereby directing paracentral light raysof a near object onto the fovea centralis of the fovea centralis of themacula and central light rays of the same object superior of the foveacentralis of the macula.

[0034] Another advantage of the present invention is that the multifocaloptical system provides for near and distant correction of refractiveerror that does not use glasses or other similar external eye devices.

[0035] Another advantage of the present invention is that the two lenssystem in the lens optical system are eccentric and direct light raysfrom the same image onto the fovea centralis of the macula of an eyehaving an enlarged pupil wherein the principal axis of each optical lenssystem is eccentric to each other and the distance between eachprincipal axis is selected to enable the first optical lens system andthe second optical lens system to be operable within the enlarged pupilfor directing light rays from a different object or the same objectviewed through each of the first optical lens system and second opticallens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye.

[0036] The amount of separation of light rays of an image by a prism canbe varied. If complete separation or disparity of the near and distanceimage is desired, a greater amount of prism can be placed in one or bothof the first optical lens systems and second optical lens system tocreate this complete separation. If only slight disparity is desired, avery small amount of prism can be included in either or both of thedistance and near lens systems. This very slight disparity has theeffect of increasing depth perception or sterioposis. With the verticaleccentric arrangement, the image developed on the retina can be furtherpurified by changing the relative lid positions in relation to the lenssystems thereby eliminating certain rays which purifies the image of theobject of regard. This is especially valuable in scotopic conditionssuch as with night driving. By eliminating the unfocused light, theretina and brain are able to dark adapt.

[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is that a prism may beused in one or both of the first optical lens systems and second opticallens system to control the amount of deflection of the paracentral lightrays e.g., light rays which did not enter the eye through the center ofthe cornea. For example, when a single object is simultaneously observedby the user through the two optical lens systems, a small amount ofprism may be used to either cause or maintain complete separation of thetwo images (complete disparity) or to cause the two images to be closelysuperimposed or substantially superimposed (leaving only slightdisparity for the increase in depth perception or increase insterioposis). Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, a prism may beused to completely separate the image observed through the two opticallens systems or to control the amount of separation of the images tobring about superimposition or almost superimposition (slight disparity)to improve the quality of depth perception of the object of regard.

[0038] Another advantage of the present system is that the imagingproducing means can be so arranged that when one lens system is in use,the light allowed to go through the other or unused lens system isminimized or completely eliminated. By placing the “near optical visionsystem” superiorly on the artificial lens, the upper eyelid position canbe varied and thereby be utilized to cover up the nearest system whileprimarily using the “distant optical vision system” to pass selectedparacentral light rays from an image onto the fovea centralis of themacula.

[0039] Another advantage of the present invention is that the naturalpupil size can be altered or reconfigured by making the pupil larger andpreferably an elongated vertically shaped elliptical natural pupil. Byaltering the pupil size or configuration, the quantity of availablelight is increased to 150% to 175% of the light that would havetraversed the untreated or unaltered pupil. This is a marked improvementover the prior art lens system where the transmitted light is dividedbetween the two lens system. Therefore, approximately 65% to 75% light(compared to the quantity of the light passing through the unalteredpupil before treatment) would be available for the lens system of thepresent invention to use to focus light rays from the images on thefovea centralis of the macula. If the pupil is not altered, onlyapproximately 40% to approximately 45% of the light is available to befocused through each optical system. This is typical of the numerouslens design of the prior art described above.

[0040] Another advantage of the present invention is that the artificiallens of the present invention can have one or both of the imaging lenssystem configured with an extended objective lens anterior to the irisplane to function as a light gathering means.

[0041] Another advantage of the present invention is that eccentriclocation of the near system in a superior position can be utilized in analtered natural pupil, such as for example, in natural pupil which isenlarged by forming the opening thereof into an oval shape resulting alarge geometrical dimension relative to the edge of and, if desired,superior to the original edge of the pupil.

[0042] Another advantage of the present invention is that furthereccentricity of the near lens system is achievable by altering thenatural pupil by vertical elongation of the natural pupil or by use ofan accessory pupil. A prism may be used to optically cause greater imageseparation or a reduction in image separation by the eccentricallyarranged lens system. This reduction can be complete, if desired, toincrease the perception of depth, or almost complete, e.g. slightdisparity. Thus, the accommodation of a single eye may be used toenhance depth perception which is different from and may be in additionto controlling or adjusting the depth perception or varying the amountof depth perception by varying the deflection angle, by use of a prism,between two eyes and/or the optical lens system used in both eyes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] These and other advantages of this invention will be readilyapparent when considered in light of the detailed descriptionhereinafter of the preferred embodiment and when considered in light ofthe drawings set forth herein which include the following figures:

[0044]FIGS. 1a, 1 b and 1 c are pictorial representations of the eyeillustrating rotation positions of the eye about its rotational axisshowing the positional relationship between the natural crystalline lensand the macula;

[0045]FIG. 2 is a front view of an eye having an artificial lens in theform of an intraocular lens having an eccentric lens system forproducing near and distant macular images;

[0046]FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of an image producing meanscomprising a first lens having a predetermined diopter power and asecond lens having a preselected diopter power eccentric to the firstlens for focusing similar images onto the fovea centralis of the maculain an eye;

[0047]FIG. 4a is a pictorial representation of an image producing meanshaving a first lens having a prism and a second lens having a prism fordirecting light rays from near and far objects onto the eye, with thenear image N₁ directed superior to the fovea centralis of the macula andthe distant image D₁ inferior of the fovea centralis of the macula;

[0048]FIG. 4b is a pictorial representation of the first optical lenssystem and the second optical lens system illustrated in FIG. 4a whichare eccentric, without a prism, illustrating that the images receivedfrom an object of regard may be separated at the fovae centralis of themacula;

[0049]FIG. 4c is a pictorial representation of the first optical lenssystem and the second optical lens system illustrated in FIG. 4a whichare eccentric, with a prism, illustrating that the images received froman object of regard may be substantially imposed or closely imposed onthe fovae centralis of the macula;

[0050]FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of an artificial lens of thepresent invention formed as an intraocular lens located in the anteriorchamber of an eye;

[0051]FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of an artificial lens of thepresent invention formed as an intraocular lens located in the posteriorchamber of an eye;

[0052]FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of an artificial lens of thepresent invention affixed to the cornea of an eye subepithelially;

[0053]FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of an artificial lens of thepresent invention which is implanted as an intracorneal lensintrastromal;

[0054]FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation of an artificial lens of thepresent invention having a near lens system superior and a distant lenssystem inferiorly, in an eccentric arrangement, with the position ofboth lens system being below the upper eyelid;

[0055]FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation of the position of the imageproducing means of FIG. 9 observing images below the eyelid;

[0056]FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of an eye having anartificial lens of the present invention wherein the image producingmeans includes a first lens system and a second lens system wherein thenear lens system is covered by the upper eyelid resulting in only thesecond lens system passing light rays from a distant object to the foveacentralis of the macula of the eye;

[0057]FIG. 12 is a pictorial representation of an eye having imageproducing means wherein the near lens system is occluded by the uppereyelid resulting in only the light rays from the distant object beingpassed by an artificial lens of this invention to the fovea centralis ofthe macula of an eye;

[0058]FIG. 13 is a pictorial representation of a pupil having anaccessory pupil formed therein wherein a first lens system is locatedposteriorly to the accessory pupil and the second lens system is locatedposteriorly to the natural pupil;

[0059]FIG. 14 is a pictorial representation of an eye showing the frontview of the eye having an accessory pupil formed therein for cooperatingwith the first lens system and wherein the natural pupil cooperates withthe second lens system;

[0060]FIG. 15 is a pictorial representation of an eye having an alteredpupil to form the same into a vertical ellipitically shaped pupil forcooperating with an image producing means having a first lens system anda second lens system eccentrically arranged;

[0061]FIG. 16 is a pictorial representation of an image producing meanshaving a first lens system having a first lens and a prism and a secondlens system having a second lens located in the accessory pupil andnatural pupil, respectively;

[0062]FIG. 17a is a pictorial representation of a bi-convex lens;

[0063]FIG. 17b is a pictorial representation of a double convex lenshaving a prism operatively connected there between adapted for use as alens system;

[0064]FIG. 17c is a pictorial representation of a first lens systemhaving a prism and a second lens system having a prism;

[0065]FIG. 18 is a pictorial representation of an image producing meanshaving a pair of extended objective lens having a lens system includinga prism located at the distal end thereof for producing disparatemacular images;

[0066]FIG. 19 is a pictorial representation of the distal section of thelens system illustrated in FIG. 18 showing another embodiment of animage producing means;

[0067]FIG. 20 is a pictorial representation of an artificial lens of thepresent invention having an extended objective lens and a prism in thesuperior location in an altered elongated natural pupil and aplano-convex lens and a prism in the normal natural pupil;

[0068]FIG. 21 is a front plan view of the artificial lens of FIG. 20;

[0069]FIGS. 22a, 22 b and 22 c are pictorial representations of: (i) anartificial lens system having an extended objective lens in accessorypupil; (ii) an artificial lens having an extended objective lens in boththe accessory pupil and natural pupil with a third extended objectivelens alternative; and (iii) an artificial lens having an extendedobjective lens in the natural pupil;

[0070]FIG. 23 is a front plan view of an artificial lens in the form ofan intraocular lens having an extended objective lens and a prism in thesuperior location on the lens and an extended objective lens locatedinferior on the lens;

[0071]FIG. 24 is an elevational end view of the intraocular lens of FIG.23;

[0072]FIG. 25 is a pictorial representation of the eye showing thenatural pupil and an accessory pupil having the intraocular lens of FIG.23 implanted in the eye;

[0073]FIG. 26 is a pictorial representation of the eye showing thenatural pupil being formed into a vertically extending elliptical shapeforming an enlarged pupil which is in lieu of an accessory pupil andhaving the intraocular lens of FIG. 23 implanted in the eye;

[0074]FIG. 27 is another embodiment of an artificial lens in the form ofan intraocular lens having a lens with an extended objective lens and aprism located superiorly on the lens and a plano-convex lens in thenatural pupil;

[0075]FIG. 28 is a pictorial representation of an eye having a naturalpupil which is formed into an enlarged pupil with the intraocular lensof FIG. 27 implanted therein and showing the various positions of theupper eyelid to control passing of light rays from a near image throughthe extended objective lens;

[0076]FIG. 29a shows a pictorial representation of the eye having anatural lens and an intrastromal lens having a plano-convex lens and a“base up” prism located superiorly within the cornea of an eye to forman image through the natural pupil;

[0077]FIGS. 29b and 29 c are pictorial representations of a near lenssystem having a “base up” and “base down” prism, respectively;

[0078]FIG. 30 is a pictorial representation of an eye having a partial(no superior cut) radial keratotomy and a vertically elongated naturalpupil for receiving light rays from an intracorneal lens locatedsuperiorly in the stroma in front of the pupil for passing a separateimage through the enlarged natural pupil;

[0079]FIG. 31 is a pictorial representation of a natural pupil which isenlarged causing at least a portion thereof superior to the eye to beenlarged;

[0080]FIG. 32 is a pictorial representation of a natural pupil which isenlarged by altering the natural pupil to the eye to be superior to theeye to be enlarged;

[0081]FIG. 33 is a pictorial representation of a natural pupil which isenlarged by forming in the natural pupil an accessory opening to the eyeto be superior to the eye to be enlarged;

[0082]FIG. 34 is a pictorial representation of a lens of the prior artlocated with the natural pupil of an aye to focus an image of an objecton the fovea centralis of the macula of an eye wherein the diameter ofthe natural pupil and the lens are substantially equal;

[0083]FIG. 35 is a pictorial representation of an enlarged natural pupilhaving one embodiment of an artificial lens located within the eye inthe posterior chamber and having a first lens system and a second lenssystem wherein the principal axis of each optical lens system iseccentric to each other and the distance between each principal axis isselected to enable the first optical lens system and the second opticallens system to be operable within the enlarged pupil for directing lightrays from each image of each lens of the first optical lens system andsecond optical lens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula of aneye;

[0084]FIG. 36 is a pictorial representation of an enlarged natural pupilhaving yet another embodiment of an artificial lens located within theeye in the posterior chamber and having a first lens system having aprism and a second lens system wherein the principal axis of eachoptical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distance betweeneach principal axis is selected to enable the first optical lens systemand the second optical lens system to be operable within the enlargedpupil for directing light rays from each image of each lens of the firstoptical lens system and second optical lens system onto a foveacentralis of the macula of an eye;

[0085]FIG. 37 is a pictorial representation of still yet anotherembodiment of an artificial lens having a first lens system having lightgathering lens and a second lens system wherein the principal axis ofeach optical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distancebetween each principal axis is selected to enable the first optical lenssystem and the second optical lens system to be operable within theenlarged pupil for directing light rays from each image of each lens ofthe first optical lens system and second optical lens system onto afovea centralis of the macula of an eye;

[0086]FIG. 38 is a pictorial representation of still yet anotherembodiment of an artificial lens having a first lens system havingextended objective lens and a second lens system wherein the principalaxis of each optical lens system is eccentric to each other and thedistance between each principal axis is selected to enable the firstoptical lens system and the second optical lens system to be operablewithin the enlarged pupil for directing light rays from each image ofeach lens of the first optical lens system and second optical lenssystem onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye;

[0087]FIG. 39a is a pictorial representation of an eye having anenlarged natural pupil and the artificial lens having the optical systemhaving the eccentric lens is in the form of a corneal lens located onthe cornea of an eye or an intracorneal lens, shown by a dashed line,located with the cornea of an eye;

[0088]FIG. 39b is a pictorial representation of an eye having anenlarged natural pupil and the artificial lens having the optical systemhaving the eccentric lens is in the form of a contact lens located onthe cornea of an eye;

[0089]FIG. 40 is a pictorial representation of a contact lens having afirst optical lens and a second optical lens formed on a slightlyraised, generally triangular shaped anterior surface of the lens whereinthe bottom surface thereof has been shaped to provide a guiding surfacefor the lower eyelid to enable the eye having the lens to be rotateddownward placing the first lens system under the bottom eyelid; and

[0090]FIG. 41 is a pictorial representation of a contact lens having afirst optical lens and a second optical lens formed on a slightlyraised, generally triangular shaped anterior surface of the lens havinga pair of spaced enlarged bottom sections to weight the bottom of thelens and wherein the bottom thereof has chopped to provide a guidingsurface for the lower eyelid to enable the eye having the lens to berotated downward placing the first lens system under the bottom eyelid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0091] Before beginning with the description of the preferredembodiment, the following background information is provided for abetter understanding of the present invention.

[0092] The anatomical center of the human eye is not necessarily theoptical center of the human eye. The anatomical center of the human eyeis calculated or derived from measurement of the diameter of the cornea,and this dimension can be obtained by using techniques well known in theart. However, the optical center of the human eye is generally slightlynasal and downward relative to the anatomical center.

[0093] The angular difference between the optical center and theanatomical center is generally known in the art as the angle kappa (k).For example, the optical center may be 3° and 1.5° inferior to theanatomical center. It is known in the art that the above angulardifferences could be as much as about 6° to about 7° or more.

[0094] In addition, the term “fovea centralis” refers to the small,rodless depression of the retina in line with the visual axis whichaffords acute vision. The term “fovea vision” refers to vision beingaccomplished by looking directly at objects in daylight so that theimage falls on or near the fovea centralis. This is also known asphotopic vision. The term “macula” refers to the anatomical structure ofthe eye having the form of a spot as differentiated from surroundingtissue.

[0095] The fovea centralis is located in the macula of the eye, which,in turn, is a component of the retina of the eye. Sometimes the foveacentralis is the area referred to as the macula upon which the image isactually focused. A location referred to herein as “superior” describesa location position situated generally above the fovea centralis of themacula, while a location referred to herein as “inferior” describes alocation position situated generally below the fovea centralis of themacula. Generally, all useful photopic vision originates with themacula.

[0096] The term “accommodation” describes the following characteristicsof the eye. When the brain perceives that attention of the person isrequired for near, enervation is initiated to the ciliary body, which isa circular, sphincter type, muscle located just behind the iris for 360degrees; by means of the occulomoter nerve. The muscle contracts and inso doing brings about relative relaxation of the zonules. Slackenedzonules result in decreased lateral traction on the capsule of thecrystalline lens. As a result, the elastic quality of the capsule causesthe lens to seek the shape of greatest volume which is that which ismost spherical. This in turn results in an increase in theanterior-posterior diameter of the lens. This results in an increase inplus dioptic power of the lens. As a consequence, the focal point of theoptical system of the eye moves anteriorly, that is closer to the frontof the eyes. Divergent rays from an object at near which would have comeinto focus behind the retina are thereby brought to focus on the foveacentralis of the macula of the retina.

[0097] The term “eccentric” means situated to one side with reference toa center as contrasted to the word concentric which pertains to therelationship between two different sized circular, cylindrical orspherical shapes when the smaller one is exactly (or substantially)centered with the larger one.

[0098] In the present invention, an artificial lens system using theteachings of the present invention has a first optical lens system and asecond optical lens system wherein the principal axes thereof are spacedapart thereby making the same eccentric. Such an artificial lens systemmay be used, preferably with one of the two lens system having a prism,in a natural pupil. However, it is also a teaching of the presentinvention that the natural pupil can be altered, e.g., have an auxiliarypupil surgically formed superior to the natural pupil. As such, anartificial lens system having two optical lens system, which arelikewise eccentric, may be used in such a surgically altered naturalpupil.

[0099] In such a use, the distance between the principal axis of the twooptical lens system would be at least equal to the geometrical dimensionof the natural pupil, for example, the diameter of the natural pupil.

[0100] If desired, the user can select use of one of the two opticallens system by positioning the eyelid over the unselected optical lenssystem or by rotating the eye to cause the unselected lens system to beoccluded by an eyelid.

[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1 b and 1 c, the human eye is showngenerally as 30 with the retina being shown generally as 32. The maculaincluding the fovea centralis is shown generally as 34. The pupil 40 isspaced a predetermined distance from the macula 34. As illustrated inFIG. 1a, the eyeball has a central rotational axis 36 about which theeyeball rotates.

[0102]FIG. 1a shows the eye of the human wherein the eyeball ispositioned such that the pupil looks straight ahead to an object. Theimage of an object observed by the eye passes through the pupil 40 ontothe macula 34.

[0103]FIG. 1b illustrates how the eyeball rotates when a person looksupward in the direction as shown by arrow 44. The pupil 40 moves upwardin the same direction as the arrow 44 while the macula 34 moves in anopposite direction. Thus, the image of an object is passed through thepupil 40 and is directed onto the fovea centralis of the macula 34.

[0104] In a similar manner, FIG. 1c shows the rotation of the eye when aperson looks downward as illustrated by arrow 46. The image perceived bythe user from an object passes through the pupil 40 and onto the foveacentralis of the macula 34.

[0105]FIG. 2 illustrates pictorially an eye 50 having a posteriorcapsule shown by dashed line 52. An artificial lens of the presentinvention, shown generally as 54, is in the form of an intraocular lenshaving a near lens system 58 located superiorly of a distant lens system60 supported in the eye by three haptics 56. The artificial lens 54 isadapted for use in the human eye. The artificial lens 54 is a multifocaloptical lens system wherein the principal axis of each lens is eccentricto each other for directing light rays from each image lens of themultifocal optical lens system onto the fovea centralis of the macula ofan eye. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated FIG. 2, theartificial lens 54 includes a near lens vision system 58 and a distantlens vision system. In this embodiment, the multifocal optical lenssystem includes a first lens system which is adapted for receiving lightrays from a near object and a second lens system which is adapted forreceiving light rays from a distant object. The principal axis of eachlens is eccentric to each other.

[0106]FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the present invention wherein theartificial lens 62 is adapted for producing similar images from the sameobject from lens in an eccentric arrangement wherein light rays fromeach object are directed upon the fovea centralis or the macula 34. InFIG. 3, the first lens system includes a first lens 64 having apredetermined diopter power for receiving light rays from a near objectshown as N₁ and the light rays illustrated by line 94 are directed ontothe fovea centralis of the macula. The first lens 64 has a selectedsurface 66 located on the posterior surface thereof.

[0107] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a second lens systemincludes a second lens 74 having a second selected surface 76. Thesecond lens 74 is in a form of a plano-convex lens adapted to pass lightrays from a distant object shown as D₁ and for directing the light rays92 from a distant object onto the fovea centralis of the macula 34 ofthe eye. The two lens systems have an eccentric relationship.

[0108] Thus, light rays N₁ from a near object passes along a path shownby line 94 through the first lens 64 and is directed to the foveacentralis of the macula 34 shown as N₁.

[0109] In the second lens system, light rays from the distant objectshown as D₁ are passed along a path shown by line 92 through theselected surface 76 of the lens 74 and then is directed along a pathshown by line 92 to the fovea centralis of the fovea centralis of themacula of the eye 34 as shown by D₁.

[0110]FIG. 4a is an alternative embodiment of the artificial lens 62adapted for use in the present invention. In FIG. 4a, the first lens 64includes a prism 68 having a preselected diopter power which ispositioned with its base 70 in a “base up” position such that thewedge-shaped edge 66 is positioned adjacent the edge of the second lens74. As illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the prism 68 is positioned against theselected surface 66 of the first lens 64 of the first lens system.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4a, the first lens 64 has a prism 68 mounted ona surface of the first lens 64. The first prism 68 is wedge-shaped andhas a wedge-shaped edge 69 which is situated adjacent the proximal edge71 of the first lens 64. The second lens 74 has a second prism 102mounted on a surface of the second lens 74. The second prism 102 is alsowedge-shaped and has a wedge-shape edge 73 which is situated adjacentthe proximal edge 75 of the second lens 74. As shown in FIG. 4, thewedge-shaped edges 69, 73 of the first and second prisms 68, 102 arelocated adjacent each other and in proximity to the proximal edges 71,75 of the first and second lenses 64, 74.

[0112] In the second lens system, the second lens 74 includes a secondprism 102 having a preselected diopter power which is positioned withthe base 104 in a “base down” position such that wedge-shaped edge 106is positioned adjacent the edge 72 of the prism 68 affixed to theselected surface 66 of the first lens 64.

[0113] The light rays from the near objects are passed by the first lens64 and prism 68 and light rays N₁ and N₂ from the near objectstransverse the paths shown by dashed line 80 for N₁ and solid line 86for N₂. The light rays shown by dashed line 80 pass through the firstlens 64 and are directed by prism 68, by deflection towards the base 70,to a location superior of the fovea centralis of the macula shown bydashed line 82.

[0114] However, the path traversed by the light rays from the distantobjects are different. As illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the light rays fromthe distant objects shown as D₁ pass along a path shown by dashed line90 through the second lens 74 and through the prism 102 wherein theprism 102 directs the light rays from the distant object along a pathshown by dashed line 92 to a location inferior of the fovea centralis ofthe macula 34 as shown by D₁. The light rays D₂ from the distant objectare passed along a path shown by solid line 108, through the second lens74 and, through the prism 102 where the image is deflected towards thebase 104. The prism 102 directs the light rays from the distant imagealong the path shown by solid line 110 to the fovea centralis of themacula as shown by D₂.

[0115]FIG. 4a shows that by utilizing the two prisms 68 and 102, theprisms function to separate the light rays from different objects intoseparate light ray paths wherein the light rays of some of the objects,the paracentral light rays, are directed onto the fovea centralis of themacula and the remainder of the light rays, the central light rays, ofsome of the objects are directed to a location at least one of superiorto the fovea centralis of the macula for near and inferior to the foveacentralis of the macula for distant objects. Thus, paracentral rays aredirected to the fovea centralis of the macula from distant and nearobjects.

[0116]FIG. 4b is a pictorial representation of the first optical lenssystem having a first lens 64 and the second optical lens system havinga second lens 74 illustrated in FIG. 4a which are eccentric and withouta prism. FIG. 4b illustrates that the images received from an object ofregard as shown by lines N′₂ and D′₂ may be separated at the fovaecentralis of the macula;

[0117]FIG. 4c is a pictorial representation of the first optical lenssystem having a first lens 64 and the second optical lens system havinga second lens 74 illustrated in FIG. 4a which are eccentric and one ofwhich has a prism similar to prism 20 illustrated in FIG. 4a. FIG. 4billustrates that the images received from an object of regard, as shownby lines N₂′ and N₂″, may be substantially imposed or closely imposed onthe fovae centralis of the macula by use of a prism similar to prism 20illustrated in FIG. 4a.

[0118]FIG. 5 illustrates the implantation of an artificial lens in theform of an intraocular lens shown generally as 132 into an eye showngenerally as 116. The intraocular lens 132 is located in the anteriorchamber of eye 116 and is spaced from the cornea 118. The iris 120 andciliary processes 124 define the irdiocapsular cleft 122 which islocated in the posterior chamber of the eye 116. The hyaloid membrane126 has an end 130 which is attached to the ciliary processes 124. Thehyaloid membrane 126 maintains the vitreous humor 128 within the eye.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 5, an artificial lens of the presentinvention in the form of intraocular lens 132 has a near lens system 136and distant lens system 138. Resilient support members shown generallyas 140, which may be four equally spaced haptic members, and itsassociated annular-shaped guide and support elements are located forwardof the pupil 120. The resilient support members 140 and their associatedannular-shaped guide and support elements support the intraocular lens132 having the first lens system and the second lens system formedtherein in the anterior chamber of the eye 116.

[0120]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate location of the intraocular lensin the eye 116. In FIG. 6, an artificial lens 132 utilizing theteachings of this invention is implanted in the posterior chamber of theeye 116. Typically, the resilience support means 140 and theirassociated annular-shaped guides and support elements which formed partof the intraocular lens 132 are located within the capsular bag shown bydashed lines 150 of the original natural crystalline lens.

[0121] The intraocular lens utilizing the artificial lens of the presentinvention could be located with the resilient support means 140 of thelens 132 being positioned in the ciliary sulcus which is located betweenthe iris 120 and the ciliary processes 124 or in the capsular bag 150 ofthe natural crystalline lens after the natural crystalline lens isremoved by using known surgical procedures. The resilient support means140 of lens 132 can comprise two to four haptic members which areequally spaced around the outer peripheral surface and the planesubstantially coplaner, or with 5° to 10° angulation which is deemed tobe substantially coplanar, with the lens body. In the alternative, theresilient support beams could comprise three haptic members (similar toFIG. 2) or more, such as four haptic members (FIG. 5) equally spacedthereon the outer peripheral surface of the lens body and in a planesubstantially coplaner, or with 5° to 10° angulation which is deemed tobe substantially coplanar, with the lens body. The reference to aresilient support means 140 as illustrated FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a twohaptic member, three haptic member or four haptic member resilientsupport.

[0122]FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an artificial lens whichutilizes the teachings of the present invention in the form of a cornealoverlay lens which is adapted to be affixed to the surface of the cornea118 of eye 116 subepithelially. The artificial lens shown generally as142 includes a near lens system 144 and a distant lens system 148. Theartificial lens 142 is positioned centrally within a lens body 152.

[0123] It is envisioned that the corneal lens body 152 forming theartificial lens 142 can be implanted using known surgical techniques foraffixing an artificial lens to the cornea of an eye with a patient'sepithelium covering the anterior surface of the lens.

[0124]FIG. 8 is another embodiment of an artificial lens of the presentinvention in the form of an intracorneal lens shown as artificial lens142. Artificial lens 142 has a near lens system 144 and the far lenssystem 148 with an eccentric relationship. The artificial lens 142 isimplanted within the stroma, or intrastromally, of the cornea 118 usingknown surgical implantation techniques. The structure of the artificiallens 142 is the same as that illustrated on FIG. 7. In the case ofmyopia, a concave (negative) lens could be used for distance in place oflens system 148 and if necessary for near in place of lens system 144.

[0125] A similar arrangement for eccentrically arranged lens withoutprism, similar to FIG. 3, can be used in a similar lens.

[0126]FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrates the lens of FIG. 2 positionedwithin an eye 156 having an upper eyelid 158 wherein the eyelid has theedge thereof defined by dashed line 160. The artificial lens 50 ispositioned on the eye as described herein before and when the userdirects the eye to look generally downward in a direction as shown inFIG. 10, the near vision system 58 and the distant vision system 60 areboth positioned below the edge 160 of eyelid 158. However, the distantvision system is blocked by the lower eyelid 162 by edge 164 shown bydashed line being interrupted by the lower eyelid 162, and the nearsystem is the only system positioned to receive light.

[0127]FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the eye 156, the eyelid 158including edge 160 thereof and the artificial lens 54 thereof supportingthe near vision system 58 and the far vision system 60 in a positionbelow the eyelid edge 160.

[0128]FIGS. 11 and 12 depict the same relationship except that theeyeball has been adjusted into a position similar to that depicted byFIG. 1b hereinabove or the upper eyelid has been lowered. In thatposition, the near image system 58 is moved past the eyelid edge 160 andunder the eyelid 158. Thus, the distant vision system 60 is the onlyportion of the image producing means which is adapted to receive light.

[0129]FIG. 12 illustrates the relationship between the artificial lens50 and edge 160 of the eyelid 150. The near vision is blocked. Thisillustrated by the dashed line being interrupted by the upper eyelid158.

[0130] This selective coverage of the near lens system is possiblebecause of the eccentric arrangement of the lens system.

[0131] In FIG. 10, the user receives light rays from both a near imageand a distant object, and selected paracentral light rays are directedonto the fovea centralis of the macula as described hereinbefore. InFIG. 12, only light rays from the distant vision system are received bythe fovea centralis of the macula through the distant vision system 60.

[0132]FIG. 13 discloses another embodiment of the present inventionwherein the artificial lens is posterior to and is adapted to cooperatewith a pupil 170 of eye 156 which has been altered and reconfigured. InFIG. 13, the iris has been altered to form an auxiliary pupil 178located superiorly.

[0133] There are two ways for accomplishing the alteration andreconfiguration of the iris. FIG. 14 illustrates one method wherein anaccessory pupil 178 is formed in a location superior to the naturalpupil 170. Thus, the iris would have two distinct pupils, a naturalpupil 170 and an accessory pupil 178. This has the advantage ofcooperating with the separation or eccentricity between the principalaxes of the near lens system and distant lens system, implanted oraffixed to the eye even greater. Also, there is no diffraction of thelight of the interface between the two lens systems.

[0134]FIG. 15 shows another method for altering and reconfiguring thepupil 170 to make the same larger. As illustrated FIG. 15, theequivalent to an accessory pupil, area 182, is formed by enlarging thenatural pupil 170 to make the same into an elongated verticallyelliptical shape pupil.

[0135] Referring again to FIG. 13, the artificial lens 172 would then bepositioned with the near imaging system 174 located in the accessorypupil 178 and the distant imaging portion 176 would be located in thenatural pupil 170.

[0136] By altering the size of pupil 170 and reconfiguring the same orby making an accessory pupil, the quantity of available light isincreased to about 150% to about 175% of the light that would have beenpassed by the untreated or unaltered pupil 170. The altered pupil isadapted to cooperate with a first lens system and a second lens systemeccentrically arranged. This represents a significant improvement withrespect to the transmitted light being divided equally between the nearimage system 174 and the distant image system 176. The path of the lightrays are shown generally by dashed lines 186 for the near vision anddashed line 188 for the distant vision. Again, the disparate images aredirected onto macula 190 of eye 156.

[0137] Typically, the diameter of a lens to be located in the accessorypupil or the enlarged portion of an elongated vertically ellipticallyshaped pupil would be in the order of 2.0 mm to 4 mm.

[0138]FIG. 16 depicts that the artificial lens system 54 of FIG. 3 couldlikewise be used in the eye having the altered and reconfiguredprincipal as illustrated in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, the macula 190 wouldreceive light ray N₂ from near objects and light ray D₁ from farobjects. Since the near lens 58 has a prism 68, prism 68 directs lightrays from a near object onto a location superior to the fovea centralisof the macula 190 as illustrated by N₁ in FIG. 16. Light rays N₂ from adifferent near object would be transmitted to the macula.

[0139]FIG. 17a, FIG. 17b and FIG. 17c depict different embodiments oflens systems adapted for use in either the near or distant lens systemin an artificial lens for practicing this invention. FIG. 17a depicts alens structure for either one of the near vision system or distantvision system. The image producing means is depicted by lens system 200having a bi-convex lens formed by a pair of plano-convex lens 202 and204. Similarly a plano-convex lens could be used. In FIG. 17a, thebi-convex lens formed by lens 202 and 204 are joined or fused togetherforming a homogenous lens. In this embodiment, light rays D₁ from adistant object would pass through the lens system and be directed ontothe fovea centralis of the macula. Thus, light rays from similar macularimages of the same object would be developed by two eccentric,independent bi-convex lens system or plano-convex lens system.

[0140]FIG. 17b shows another embodiment of an artificial lens imagesystem of the present invention showing that one of the imaging lenscould be in the form of a bi-convex lens 210 having a first plano-convexlens 212, a second plano-convex lens 214 and a prism 216 positionedtherebetween. In practice, these lenses would fused to make a homogenouslens. By controlling the ratio of the length of the base to the angle ofthe edge of the prism, the angle of incidence of the light ratio shownby D₁, can be controlled to direct the light rays from a near objectonto the macula or to a position superior to the fovea centralis of themacula. A second lens system in the form of that of FIG. 17b could bereversed placing the base of the prism 216 in a position opposite tothat illustrated in FIG. 17b to cause one of the images to be formed ata location inferior to the fovea centralis of the macula whetherinvolving the near vision system or the distant vision system.

[0141]FIG. 17c shows another embodiment of the lens system illustratedin FIG. 4 and the lens body has been modified using prisms having alarger base. The artificial lens system 220 includes a firstplano-convex lens 222 and a second plano-convex lens 224. Plano-convexlens 222 has a prism lens 226 incorporated in the back or posteriorsurface thereof wherein the length of the base 228 is selected tocontrol the angle of incidence such that the light rays from a nearobject is directed at sufficiently superior of the fovea centralis ofthe macula to avoid placing similar blurred images on the foveacentralis of the macula. Light rays N₂ from a different object would beprojected on the fovea centralis of the macula resulting in disparatemacula images.

[0142] In a similar manner, plano-convex lens 224 has a prism lens 232affixed to the posterior surface thereof wherein the base 234 of theprism 232 being positioned in an opposed relationship to that of thebase 228 affixed to the first plano-convex lens 222. Again, the lengthof the base 234 of prism 232 is selected to be of a length to causelight rays D₁ from a far object to be directed at a predeterminedlocation inferior of the fovea centralis of the macula to avoid placinga similar blurred distant image onto the fovea centralis of the macula.Light rays D₂ from a different object would be projected on the foveacentralis of the macula resulting in disparate macula image from thenear vision system and the distant vision system.

[0143]FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an alternative of an artificial lensfor practicing the invention wherein the imaging producing means definesa first lens system and second lens system which each include anextended objective lens to increase the amount of light collection bythe artificial lens and passed to the posterior segment of the eye. FIG.18 illustrates that the eye 156 has the artificial lens system showngenerally as 300 extending through iris opening into the anteriorchamber thereof. The artificial lens system 300 includes a firstextended objective lens 302 and a second extended objective lens 304.The objective lens 302 extend into the anterior chamber of the eye 156.As shown by FIG. 18, the distant end of each objective lens 302 and 304terminates in a surface as illustrated at the distal lens 310 ofextended objective lens 302 and distant lens 314 of the extendedobjective lens 304. The distal lens 310 includes a shaped lens/prismmember 312 with the base of the prism in a “base up” position. Thedistant end of the distant extended objective lens 304 has a shapedlens/prism member 316 with the base of the prism being located in a“base down” position. Although, for purposes of this disclosure, thelenses are described as separate and opposed; in practical application,the lens are fused together and homogenous. The effect of the prism isto change the angle of the ocular lens (posterior lens) in relationshipto the longitudinal axis of the lens system. The prisms are positionedin an opposed spaced relationship to each other.

[0144] In the event that the length of the extended objective lens is ofa length which extends through the posterior capsule, a procedurereferred to as capsulorhexis can be performed on the posterior capsuleto form opening in the posterior capsule. In such event, the posteriorend of the lens system would extend into the vitreous humor.

[0145]FIG. 18 illustrates that the paracentral ray near (“PCRN”) passesthrough the objective lens 302, the midsection 310, the shapedlens/prism member 312 and the PCRN is focused onto the macula 318. In asimilar manner, the central ray near (“CRN”) passes through the extendedobjective lens 302 to the distal end 310 where the image is deflected bythe prism to position the CRN superior of the fovea centralis of themacula 318.

[0146] The far extended objective lens 304 receives the paracentral rayfar (“PCRF”) and passes the same through the midsection 314 where theprism 320 then directs the PCRF ray through shaped lens/prism member 316onto the macula 318.

[0147] Similarly, the extended objective lens 304 receives the centralray far (“CRF”) and passes the same to the midsection 314 where theprism directs the CRF to a location inferior of the macula 318.

[0148]FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the extended objective lenssystem of FIG. 19 wherein the midsections 310 and 314 are terminated bya different lens system. Specifically, midsection 310 of the extendedobjective lens 302 and midsection 314 of the extended objective lens 304are each terminated posteriorly in a prism 330 at the respectivemidsections 310 and 314. The bases of the prisms 330 are positioned in a“base up”/“base down” relationship as shown in FIG. 19. The prisms eachhave a posterior surface 332 for supporting a negative lens 332.

[0149] The light rays pass through the midsection 310 and are deflectedby the prism 330 through the negative lens 334 such that the light rayCRN is directed superior of the fovea centralis of the macula and thelight ray PCRN is directed onto the fovea centralis of the macula. Byallowing an extension of the lens systems from the posterior chamberinto the anterior chamber as illustrated in FIG. 18, the followingadvantages are obtained. The CRF and PCRF light rays passing through theextended objective lens 304 are directed such that the PCRF light raysgo to the fovea centralis of the macula and the CRF light rays inferiorto the fovea centralis of the macula.

[0150] The lens system 300 provides a greater collection of possiblelight. Due to the objective lens in the extension, there is an increasein the field of vision. Further, by utilizing the extended objectivelens, there is a decrease in the problems of centering the lens.

[0151] The combination of a plus power objective lens in the anteriorchamber and a minus power ocular lens in the posterior chamber orvitreous constitutes a totally intraocular galelian telescope. Thepurpose of this light gathering and magnification (enlargement) of theimage is for use in patients with macular degeneration.

[0152] By utilizing different lens structure in FIGS. 18 and 19, it ispossible that specific lens structures could be developed for specialapplications for macular degeneration wherein the retinal image can bespread over more of the retina to stimulate more of the sending neuronsto the brain thereby improving the ability of the brain to interpret theimage.

[0153] By utilizing extended objective lens, the overall size of theartificial lens base could be made smaller resulting in smallerincisions needed for insertion.

[0154] In FIG. 20, the artificial lens 340 in the form of an intraocularlens is implanted in an altered pupil within the eye 156. The artificiallens 340 includes an extended objective lens 342 and a “base up” prism344 which are adapted to be located to be in the superior location ofthe enlarged pupil, such as superior in the enlarged verticallyextending elliptical shaped area of the natural pupil 170 as illustratedin FIG. 15 which is functionally equivalent to the accessory pupil. Theartificial lens 340 also includes a plano-convex lens 348 and a “basedown” prism 350 which are adapted to be located in the natural pupil170. A similar lens system without prisms for similar macular image is avariation of this novel concept.

[0155] The artificial lens 340 illustrated in FIG. 20, the PCRN passesthrough the extended objective lens 342 and is deflected by the “baseup” prism onto the macula and the CRN is directed to a location superiorof the macula. In this structure, the objective lens collects more lightfor near vision due to its extension into the anterior chamber. Theoptical surface of the objective lens can be made larger to create alarger field of vision.

[0156] In the lower section of the artificial lens, the PCRF rays passthrough the plano-convex lens 348 and are directed by the “base down”prism 350 onto the fovea centralis of the macula. The CRF rays arepassed through the plano-convex lens 348 and are deflected by the “basedown” prism 350 inferior of the fovea centralis of the macula and thePCRF is directed onto the fovea centralis of the macula.

[0157]FIG. 21 illustrates in a front plan view artificial lens 340 ofFIG. 20. The extended objective lens 342 is positioned on theplano-convex lens 348 in a superior position on lens 348 (eccentricallyarranged). The “base up” prism is located on the reverse surface of lens342. The central body lens 348 likewise has its prism 350 located “basedown” on the reverse surface. The artificial lens 340 includes threehaptic members 352 spaced substantially equal to hold the intraocularlens in the eye as described hereinbelow.

[0158] In the pictorial representation of FIGS. 22a, 22 b and 22 c,various other possible configurations for intraocular lens utilizing theteaching of this invention are shown. FIG. 22a illustrates an artificiallens system implanted in an eye 156 wherein the artificial lens has anextended objective lens 360 which is adapted to be located in theaccessory pupil 178 and any other suitable lens may be used in thenatural pupil 170. This arrangement can utilize prisms for disparatemacular images and without prisms for similar macular images.

[0159]FIG. 22b illustrates an artificial lens system implanted in an eye156 wherein the artificial lens has extended objective lens 360 and 370wherein objective lens 360 is adapted to be located in the accessorypupil and extended objective lens 370 is adapted to be located in thenatural pupil 170. In addition, for a trifocal lens equivalent, a thirdextended objective lens 372 can be located within the natural pupil 170.

[0160] The concept of a trifocal structure illustrated in FIG. 22b isexemplary, and any artificial lens of the invention can utilize thetrifocal concept.

[0161]FIG. 22c illustrates an artificial lens system implanted in an eye156 wherein the artificial lens has an extended objective lens 370 whichis adapted to be located in the natural pupil 170 and any other suitableless may be used in the accessory pupil 178. These are all variations ofeccentric lens systems.

[0162]FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate an artificial lens in the form of anintraocular lens 378 having an extended objective lens 374 having aplano-convex lens on the surface and a “base up” prism 382 in thesuperior location of the lens and an larger extended objective lens 376having a plano-convex lens on the surface located in the inferiorlocation on the lens 378. The diameter of lens 374 could be in the orderof about 2.5 millimeters and the diameter of lens 376 could be in theorder of about 3.0 millimeters.

[0163] The structure of the intraocular lens in FIGS. 23 and 24 permitan additional quantity of light rays to be is directed onto the maculawhich counteracts the decreased amount of light available by using twolens systems.

[0164]FIG. 25 is a pictorial representation of the eye showing thenatural pupil 170 and an accessory pupil 178 having the intraocular lens378 of FIG. 23 implanted in the eye. The intraocular lens 378 of FIG. 23is implanted in the eye with lens 374 being located posterior to theaccessory pupil 178 and lens 376 located posterior to the natural pupil170. Again, a prism is used for disparate macular images and no prismfor similar images.

[0165]FIG. 26 is a pictorial representation of the eye showing thenatural pupil 170 being formed into a vertically extending ellipiticallyshaped pupil forming an enlarged area 170′ which is in FIG. 25. Theintraocular lens 378 of FIG. 23 represented by dashed lines is implantedin the eye with lens 374 being located in the enlarged pupil 170′ andlens 376 located in the natural pupil 170.

[0166] Referring now to FIG. 27, the embodiment of an intraocular lensof FIG. 27 is in the form of plano-convex lens 388 having with anextended objective lens 392 and a “base up” prism 394 located superiorlyon the lens. A plano-convex lens 390 is used for a distant image. Thisembodiment produces separate light rays from another object which isdirected onto the macula 34 (disparate macular image). Similarly, thelens system arrangement can be used without prisms for similar macularimages.

[0167]FIG. 28 is a pictorial representation of an eye having a naturalpupil 170 which is formed into an enlarged pupil 178 having a verticallyextending elliptical shape with the intraocular lens of FIG. 27implanted therein. FIG. 28 also shows the various positions of the uppereyelid shown in the open position represented by dashed line 160 to passan image through the extended objective lens 392. The upper eyelid isalso shown in the blocking position as represented by dashed line 162wherein light rays from a near image is a blocked from passing throughthe extended objective lens 392. The distant image is passed by lens390. A similar effect would be obtained with an accessory pupil usedwith the lens system with or without a prism.

[0168]FIG. 29a shows a pictorial representation of the eye having anatural lens 400 in the eye. An intracorneal lens having a plano-convexlens 402 is located superiorly within the cornea of the eye to passlight rays from an object through the superior part of the natural lens400 and directs the paracentral light rays from the near object onto thefovea centralis of the macula 34. The intracorneal lens having theplano-convex lens 402 is eccentric to the natural lens 400.

[0169]FIGS. 29b and 29 c show pictorially alternative arrangements ofthe plano-convex lens 402 having a prism 404 or 404′. In FIG. 29b, theprism 404 is mounted “base up” and in FIG. 29c, the prism 404′ ismounted “base down”.

[0170] In all of these instances, the lens of FIGS. 29a, 29 b, and 29 care all arranged eccentrically to the natural lens 400.

[0171]FIG. 30 is a pictorial representation of an eye having a partial(no superior cut) radial keratotomy having formed in the cornea thereofseven (7) elongated angularly disposed slits or cuts 406 spaced overless than 360° of the eye (approximately 318° as shown in FIG. 30)leaving the superior location of the eye untreated with elongated slitsor cuts. This untreated area of the cornea of the eye then has thenatural pupil enlarged to from a vertically extending elongatedellipitically shaped pupil. Near lens 402 with or without prisms 404 and404′ is implanted in the enlarged area pupil area for passing a lightray from a near object through the accessory pupil to the macula.

[0172] These principles apply also to a four (4) cut radial keratotomywith oblique cuts (at 1:30; 4:30; 7:30 and 10:30 positions having nosuperior cuts).

Alterated Natural Pupil

[0173] One of the important teachings of the present invention is thatthe size and/or shape of a natural pupil can be altered to accommodatemeans adapted to be affixed to an eye having multifocal lens systemwherein the principal axes are eccentric, such as for example, byimplantation, intracorneal insertion or corneal overlay.

[0174] It is envisioned that the natural pupil can be altered usingknown techniques such as for example, Yag laser, Argon laser or otherknown surgical techniques.

[0175] A Yag laser is typically used for cutting and care must be takento insure that the Yag laser does not hit, damage or perforate thenatural crystalline lens.

[0176] An Argon laser is essentially a coagulation device. It is knownthat the Argon laser, when directed to the iris distorts the pupil. Thisis generally referred to as “puckering”.

[0177] Other surgical techniques includes performing a sector iridectomywhich forms a keyhole pupil.

[0178] One method for practicing this invention includes premarking ofthe cornea with a corneal marking device of approximately the same sizeas the multiple lens system to be affixed to the eye. After the corneais so marked, the lens is inserted under the marker. The marker shouldbe of sufficient dimension to mark the cornea sufficiently superior tothe natural pupil to insure that the multiple lens system to be locatedin the altered pupil will be located at the desired location in thealtered pupil. Thereafter, the pupil can be further altered as desiredusing the selected technique to allow entrance of light into theposterior segment of the eye from the near lens system located superiorto the natural pupil.

[0179] It is also envisioned that the artificial lens implanted into theeye having an altered natural pupil (either an accessory pupil orenlarged pupil) may be a multiple optical system having two identicaloptical or lens systems in an eccentric arrangement. The superiorlypositioned optical system is adapted to be preferably located in thealtered portion of the pupil and the second optical system would belocated in the natural pupil.

[0180]FIG. 31 is a pictorial representation of a natural pupil, shown bydashed line 410, which has been substantially uniformly surgicallyenlarged causing at least a portion thereof superior to the eye to beenlarged. An artificial lens using the teachings of the presentinvention is ideally suited for use in such an enlarged pupil.,

[0181]FIG. 32 is a pictorial representation of a natural pupil, shown bydashed line 412, which has been surgically enlarged by altering thenatural pupil of the eye such that substantially all of the alterationis essentially superior to the eye to be enlarged.

[0182]FIG. 33 is a pictorial representation of a natural pupil, shown bydashed line 414, which has been surgically enlarged by forming in thenatural pupil a supplemental or accessory opening which is located to besuperior to the eye.

[0183]FIG. 34 is a pictorial representation of a lens 418 of the priorart located with the natural pupil of an eye focusing an image of anobject on the macula 422 of an eye. In the lens 418, the diameter of thenatural pupil 420 and the diameter of the lens 418 are substantiallyequal.

[0184]FIG. 35 is a pictorial representation of an enlarged natural pupildefining an opening 426 and one embodiment of an artificial lens 430 ofthe present invention located within the eye in the posterior chamber432. The artificial lens system 430 has a first lens system 440 and asecond lens system 442. The second lens system 442 is located orsituated substantially within the opening 426. The principal axis ofeach optical lens system 440 are eccentric to each other. The distancebetween each principal axis is selected to enable at least one of thefirst optical lens system 440 and the second optical lens system 442 tobe operable within the enlarged pupil for directing light rays from eachimage of each lens of the first optical lens system and second opticallens system onto a macula of an eye.

[0185]FIG. 36 is a pictorial representation of an enlarged natural pupilhaving an opening 426 within yet another embodiment of an artificiallens system shwon generally by 446 located within the eye in theposterior chamber 432. The artificial lens system 432 has a first lenssystem 450 having a prism and a second lens system 452, the second lenssystem 452 has a prism 456 located adjacent a selected edge of thesecond lens system 452. In the embodiment of FIG. 36, the principal axisof each optical lens system 450 and 452 are eccentric to each other. Thedistance between each principal axis is selected to enable at least oneof the first optical lens system 450 and the second optical lens system452 to be situated within the opening 426 for directing light rays fromeach image of each lens of the first optical lens system 450 and secondoptical lens system 452 onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye.

[0186]FIG. 37 is a pictorial representation of still yet anotherembodiment of an artificial lens shown generally as 470 having a firstlens system having light gathering lens 472 and a second lens system474. In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the principal axis of each opticallens system 472 and 474 are eccentric to each other. The second lenssystem 472 is siutated within the opening formed in the natural pupil asshown by bracket 478. The distance between each principal axis isselected to enable at least one of the first lens system 472 and thesecond optical lens system 474 to be situated within the opening 478 ofan enlarged pupil for directing light rays from each image of each lensof the first optical lens system 472 and second optical lens system 474onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye;

[0187]FIG. 38 is a pictorial representation of still yet anotherembodiment of an artificial lens shown generally as 482 having a firstlens system 484 having extended objective lens and a second lens system486. In the embodiment of FIG. 38, the principal axis of each opticallens system 484 and 486 are eccentric to each other. The distancebetween each principal axis is selected such that at least one one ofthe first optical lens system 484 and the second optical lens system 486are situated within an opening shown by bracket 488 of an enlarged pupilfor directing light rays from each image of each lens of the firstoptical lens system 484 and second optical lens system 486 onto a foveacentralis of the macula of an eye.

[0188]FIG. 39a is a pictorial representation of an eye having anenlarged natural pupil defining an opening 488 and the artificial lensshown generally as 490 wherein the optical system has an eccentric lenswhich is in the form of a corneal lens 492 located on the cornea of aneye. In the alternative, the optical lens maybe in the form of anintracorneal lens, shown by a dashed line 494, located with the corneaor intracorneal of an eye.

[0189]FIG. 39b is a pictorial representation of an eye having anenlarged natshown which is in the form of a contact lens 510 which islocated on the cornea of an eye.

[0190] The enlarged natural pupil, which may be either an accessorypupil or enlarged pupil, cooperates with an optical system having atleast two optical lens systems in an eccentric arrangement. In themethod for forming an opening in a natural pupil, the openingaccommodates at least one lens system in an artificial lens having atleast one lens located superiorly and within the opening to direct lightrays to a fovea centralis of the macula

[0191] By utilizing the teaching of the present invention, the preferredembodiment uses prisms within the eccentrically arranged lens system tocreate light rays for disparate macular images which are directed ontothe fovea centralis of the macula of the retina by the lens system atany given time while concurrently diverting blurred or otherwiseuninterruptable light rays of the images to a location which is at leastone of inferior to or superior to the fovea centralis of the macula.Also, the positioning of the lens system within the pupillary zone mayallow for a partial or a complete elimination of one of the opticalsystems by adjacent structures such as the eyelids and/or eyelashes.Several examples are shown herein including, for example, theillustrations in FIGS. 3 and 16.

[0192] Thus, the use of a prism in the optical systems for near visionoptically separates the light rays of the distant lens system of theoptical systems in the intraocular lens or other artificial lens. Theuse of a prism creates disparity of the highest order by producing twocompletely different light ray paths from eccentric lens system. Also,the prism can be selected to cause the light rays or two images to besubstantially superimposed or superimposed on the fovae centralis of themacula.

[0193] This is different than simultaneous vision which is produced bytwo almost identical images (difference in size) of the same objectpassed by a concentric lens systems. Eccentricity without prisms alsocreates two almost identical images but also provides the possibility ofthe user selectively covering one of the lens systems with eyelids oreyelashes.

[0194] The use of a prism in the optical system for far vision opticallyseparates light rays for the retinal images of the optical systems inthe same manner thereby creating a disparity of the highest order in theform of two completely different retinal images from different objects.

[0195] It is envisioned that the artificial lens of the presentinvention can be incorporated into an optical lens system having a lensbody wherein the lens body including the imaging systems are implantedonto the cornea or intracorneal of the eye and are formed of a on-laymaterial which is compatible with the epithelial cells growing thereacross to implant the optical lens systems in a subepithelial location.

[0196] By utilizing certain teachings of the present invention, it ispossible to make an extremely small intraocular lens which can be foldedor manipulated in such a manner that the same can be passed through avery small incision in the eye and implanted into the anterior orposterior chamber of the eye through the small incision.

[0197] Further, by proper training of the patient or user, the user canutilize the eyelid motion to minimize or eliminate use of one of thelens systems as desired. As a result, the retina would be able to darkadapt more easily and thereby become more sensitive to the availablelight.

[0198] The artificial lens illustrated herein utilizes several discreetlens systems elements to define each of the imaging systems. However,using known techniques, the lens systems could be molded to be anintegral artificial lens. Composite lens system having a predeterminedshape so that the same can be positioned within the eye. For example,the lens system could be molded to form the extended objective lens asillustrated in FIG. 18 by using known techniques such that the lens ofform integral with the lens body. Various types of material havingdifferent selected angles of incident and angles of refraction could beutilized for the lens system.

[0199] As discussed in connection with the description of FIGS. 13, 14and 15 hereinbefore, the pupil of the eye is altered and configured intopreferably a generally elongated vertically extending elliptical shape.The alteration and reconstruction of the pupil can be formed in one oftwo ways. The pupil alteration can have its size, shape, position orconfiguration altered (which is covered generically by the word“altered” as used herein) to improve or perfect the optical systems byperforming a surgical alteration, such as an iridectomy. The surgicalalteration would be accomplished in the usual way for performingintraocular surgery. This could involve either a sphincterotomy orexcision of a portion of iris to form an accessory pupil.

[0200] Also, the alteration could be formed with a laser. An Argon lasercould be utilized to cause contraction of the iris tissue peripheral tothe pupil resulting in vertical oval shaped pupil.

[0201] Another type of laser that can be utilized for performing a laseralteration is a Yag laser. By utilizing a Yag laser, the laser beamactually cuts the iris sphincter, thereby enlarging the overall size aswell as configuration of the pupil. This allows for selectivelyenlarging the pupil the one direction, but not significantly shiftingthe overall pupil. By utilizing the amount of tissue actually cut by theYag laser, the pupil size can be determined.

[0202] Another surgical step that could be utilized is that therecipient's cornea could be marked with a marking ring to assure properlocation of the artificial lens within the stroma. By marking the corneasurface with an indentation ring, the cornea can be precisely marked todivide the optical zone of the cornea such that one portion of theoptical zone can be used for the near focus optical system while theother portion is to be used for the distance focusing system.

[0203] In the present invention, when an image is directed onto theretina at a location superior of the fovea centralis of the macula, thebrain perceives the image as in the down position. The user wouldspontaneously turn the eye downward to look through the near lenssystem. This movement would “tuck” the distant lens system behind thelower lid.

[0204] In the alternative, when an image is directed onto the retina ata location inferior to the fovea centralis of the macula as would be thecase in the distance lens system with the base down prism, the brainperceives the image as in the up position. The user would spontaneouslyturn the eye upward to look through the distant lens system and theupward movement would “tuck” the near lens system behind the upper lid.

[0205] Using these characteristics, the artificial lens can bespecifically designed for a patient's special requirements. The typicaldimension of an artificial lens would be in the range of 5 mm to 6 mmdiameter, also, the lens could be oblong with a minor diameter of about3.5 mm to about 4 mm and a major diameter of about 6 mm.

[0206] Also, the distant lens could have a diameter of about 5 mm to 6mm with the near lens being smaller, say in the order of 2 mm to 3 mmand be located superiorly in the distant lens in an eccentricrelationship.

[0207] An intraocular lens could have the central body functioning asthe distant lens system with a diameter in the order of 3.5 mm and thenear lens system in an eccentric arrangement having a diameter of about1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm located superiorly in the lens body.

[0208] Materials used in artificial lens for producing this inventionrequire a high index of refraction to obtain the plus power in the lensfor near vision. The curvature of the front surface of the cornea couldbe changed to obtain more plus power. Changing the curvature of thefront surface of the cornea is an alternate method that could be used toeffect more plus power.

[0209] Suitable materials would include those materials that arebio-compatible and which do have a high index of refraction, examples ofsuch material are Polysulfone, Polycarbonate, Fluorinated Silicone-PMMALens combination and other suitable bio-compatible materials.

Contact Lens Having an Eccentric Optical System

[0210] The present invention has application for use as a contact lenshaving at least a first lens system and a second lens system which areeccentric having a selected distance between the principal axis of eachlens system. In an application where a contact lens is to be used in aneye with a natural pupil, preferably at least one of the first andsecond lens system has a prism.

[0211] In an application where a contact lens is to be used in an eyehaving an enlarged natural pupil defining an opening, the first opticallens system and the second optical lens system are eccentric and thedistance between the principal axis of each lens system is selected tosituate at least one lems system in the opening. Preferably, thedistance between the principal axes is at least equal to about thegeometrical dimension of the natural pupil. The actual distance betweenthe principal axes is selected to enable at least one of the firstoptical lens system and the second optical lens system to be situatedwithin the enlarged pupil for directing light rays from each image ofeach lens of the first optical lens system and second optical lenssystem onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. This structureenables the used to rotate the eye rotating one of the first opticallens system to be under either the upper or lower eyelid depending onwhich optical lens system is to be occluded.

[0212] In the event that the images are to be shifted to be directedsuperior or inferior to the fovas centralis of the macula or are to besubstantially superimposed or superimposed on each other on the fovaecentralis of the macula, a prism may e used on one or both of theoptical lens system.

[0213]FIG. 40 is a pictorial representation of a contact lens 500 foruse in an eye having a natural pupil 500 and an opening 526 formed inthe natural pupil 500. The contact lens lens 500 has a body 502 having afirst optical lens 520 and a second optical lens 524 formed on aslightly raised, generally triangular shaped anterior surface 504 of thelens body 502. The bottom surface 528 of the lens 502 may be shaped toprovide a guiding surface for the lower eyelid to enable the eye havingthe contact lens 500 to be rotated downward placing the first lenssystem under the bottom eyelid.

[0214] The embodiment shown in FIG. 40 has utility as a hard contactlens. The contact lens may be fabricated from materials well known tothose skilled in the art such as, without limitation,polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). paragon RGP materials or fluorinatedsiloxane acrylate.

[0215]FIG. 41 is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of acontact lens 500 having a triangular shaped supporting base member 530supporting a first optical lens 520 and a second optical lens 524 formedon body 502 having a slightly raised generally circular shaped anteriorsurface 531 of the contact lens body 502. In this embodiment, thecontact lens 500 includes a pair of spaced enlarged bottom sections 532to weight the bottom 534 of the lens 500 so as to keep the lens system520 situated within the opening 520. The bottom 534 has been chopped orshaped to provide a guiding surface for the lower eyelid to enable theeye having the lens to be rotated downward placing the first lens systemunder the bottom eyelid.

[0216] The embodiment of FIG. 41 has utility as a soft contact lens. Thecontact lens may be abricated from materials well known to those skilledin the art such as, without limitation, PMMA or selected polymers, oneexample of which is phemfilcon, a polymer.

[0217] The teaching of the present invention has utility as shown by thevarious embodiments disclosed herein, and variants of artifical lenssystem are envisioned using the teachings of the present invention, allsuch variants are envisioned to be covered by the teaching hereof. Thestructure of the artificial lens system as disclosed herein is adaptedto have a lens system situated in an opening formed wihtin a naturalpupil. Such artifical lens system can be fabricated into a lensstructureknown in the art or into improved artifical lens systems havingat least two, or even two or more, independent, eccentric lens systemwherein at least one or more of such lens systewm are situated withinthe opening formed within the natural pupil.

[0218] All such applications are envisioned to be within the scope ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An artificial lens system for producing multipleimages of an object for an eye having a natural pupil and a macula, saidartificial lens system comprising at least two lenses which aresupported in an eye so as to be situated eccentrically from one anotherand wherein one of said at least one two lenses is adapted to bepositioned in the natural pupil and another of said two lenses isadapted to be positioned in an opening formed in the natural pupil suchthat an optical axis of the one lens is eccentric to an optical axis ofanother lens for directing light rays from images respectively producedby said two lenses lenses onto the macular of an eye.
 2. The artificiallens system of claim 1 wherein said at least two lenses each have aproximal edge which are positioned adjacent to each other and whereinone of said at least two lenses includes a first prism.
 3. Theartificial lens system of claim 2 wherein another of said at least twolenses includes a second prism.
 4. The artificial lens system of claim 1wherein said at least two lens each have a proximal edge which arepositioned adjacent to each other and further comprising a first prismhaving a base and a wedge-shaped edge and wherein said first prism ispositioned with its wedge-shaped edge located adjacent the proximal edgeof said one of said at least two lenses.
 5. The artificial lens systemof claim 4 comprising a second prism having a base and a wedge-shapededge and wherein said second prism is positioned with its wedge-shapededge located adjacent the proximal edge of said another of said at leasttwo lenses.
 6. The artificial lens system of claim 1 wherein the naturalpupil has a known geometrical dimension and wherein distance betweeneach principal axis is selected to be about at least equal to the knowngeometrical dimension..
 7. The artificial lens system of claim 6 theartificial lens is adapted to produce disparate near and distant macularimages.
 8. An artificial lens adapted for use in an eye having a maculaand an opening formed in a natural pupil comprising a first optical lenssystem and a second optical lens system wherein the principal axis ofeach optical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distancebetween each principal axis is selected to enable at least one of thefirst optical lens system and a second optical lens system to besituated within an opening formed in a natural pupil for directing lightrays from each image of each lens onto a macula of an eye.
 9. Theartificial lens of claim 8 wherein the natural pupil has a knowngeometrical dimension and wherein distance between each principal axisis selected to be about at least equal to the known geometricaldimension.
 10. The artificial lens of claim 8 wherein the artificiallens is adapted to produce disparate near and distant macular images.11. The artificial lens of claim 8 wherein the first optical lens systemincludes a first lens having a predetermined diopter power for receivinglight rays from a near object.
 12. The artificial lens of claim 11wherein said first lens includes a first prism having a preselecteddiopter power, said first prism being positioned on a selected surfaceof said first lens for directing a portion of light rays from the nearobject onto a macula of an eye and the light rays of a different objectsuperior of the macula.
 13. The artificial lens of claim 12 wherein saidsecond optical lens system includes a second lens and wherein said firstlens and said second lens each have has a proximal edge and wherein saidfirst prism has a base and a wedge-shaped edge and wherein said firstprism is positioned with said wedge-shaped edge located adjacent theproximal edge of said first lens.
 14. The artificial lens of claim 13wherein said second lens system includes a second prism and wherein saidsecond prism has a base and a wedge-shaped edge and wherein said secondprism is positioned with said wedge shaped edge located adjacent theproximal edge of said second lens.
 15. The artificial lens of claim 8wherein said artificial lens includes a first lens having apredetermined diopter power for receiving and directing light rays froman object onto a macula of an eye; and a second lens having apredetermined diopter power positioned inferior of said first lens forreceiving and directing light rays from the same object onto a macula ofan eye.
 16. The artificial lens of claim 15 further including a prismhaving a predetermined diopter power, said prism being positioned on aselected surface of said first lens for directing selected paracentrallight rays from a near object onto a macula of an eye and central raysdirected superior to the macula.
 17. The artificial lens of claim 16further including a second prism having a predetermined diopter power,said second prism being positioned on a selected surface of said secondlens for directing selected paracentral light rays from a distant objectonto a macula of an eye with the central light rays inferior to themacula.
 18. The artificial lens of claim 8 comprising a first extendedobjective optical lens for receiving and passing light rays from atleast one of a near object and distant object.
 19. The artificial lensof claim 18 further comprising a second extended objective optical lensfor receiving and passing light rays from the other of a near object anda distant object.
 20. The artificial lens system of claim 18 whereinsaid extended objective optical lens has one surface in the form of awide angle convex lens and an opposed surface in the form of a posteriorend, said artificial lens further comprising a prism having a selecteddiopter power, said prism being positioned on the posterior end of saidextended objective optical lens for directing paracentral light raysfrom at least one of a near object and far object onto a macula of aneye.
 21. The artificial lens system of claim 19 wherein each of saidfirst extended objective optical lens and said second extended objectiveoptical lens has a wide angle convex surface and an opposed posteriorend, said artificial lens further comprising a first prism having apreselected diopter power, said first prism being positioned on theposterior end of said first extended objective optical lens fordirecting paracentral light rays from a near object onto the macula, anda second prism having a preselected diopter power, said second prismbeing positioned on the posterior end of said second extended objectivelens for directing paracentral light rays from a distant object onto amacula of an eye.
 22. The artificial lens of claim 15 further comprisinga third lens positioned between said first lens and said second lens forreceiving and passing light rays from an object at intermediate rangeonto the macula.
 23. An artificial lens adapted for use in an eye havingan opening formed in a natural pupil comprising at least a first lenssystem and a second lens system having eccentric axes wherein at leastone lens system is adapted to be situated in an opening formed in thenatural pupil of an eye for producing disparate near and distant macularimages.
 24. The artificial lens of claim 23 wherein one of said firstlens system and said second lens system includes a first lens having apredetermined diopter power for receiving light rays from a near object;and a first prism having a preselected diopter power, said first prismbeing positioned on a selected surface of said first lens for directingparacentral light rays from a near object onto a macula of an eye andcentral light rays from a near object superior of the macula.
 25. Theartificial lens of claim 24 wherein the other of said first lens systemand said second lens system further comprising a second lens having apredetermined diopter power positioned inferior of said first lens forreceiving light rays from a distant object; and a second prism having apreselected diopter power, said second prism being positioned on aselected surface of said second lens for directing paracentral lightrays from a distant object onto a macula of an eye and the central lightrays from a distant object inferior of the macula.
 26. The artificiallens of claim 25 wherein: said first lens has a predetermined diopterpower for receiving light rays from a near object, said first lensdefining an anterior lens surface and a posterior lens surface; a prismhaving a preselected diopter power, said prism being positionedcontiguous of the posterior lens surface of said first lens fordirecting paracentral light rays from a near object onto a macula of aneye and the central light rays from a near object superior of themacula; said second lens being positioned inferior to the first lens forreceiving light rays from a distant object, said second lens defining asecond anterior lens surface and a second posterior lens surface; and asecond prism having a second preselected diopter power, said prism beingpositioned contiguous the second posterior lens surface of said secondlens for directing paracentral light rays from a distant object onto themacula of the eye and central light rays from a distant object inferiorof the macula.
 27. The artificial lens of claim 24 wherein said firstlens and said first prism are affixed to each other to define a cornealoverlay lens adapted to be affixed onto the cornea of an eye.
 28. Theartificial lens of claim 24 wherein said first lens and said first prismare affixed to each other to define a cornealstroma lens adapted to beimplanted into a cornea of an eye.
 29. The artificial lens of claim 24wherein said first lens and said first prism affixed to each other andsaid second lens and said second prism affixed to each other to define acorneal overlay lens adapted to be affixed onto the cornea of an eye.30. The artificial lens of claim 24 wherein said first lens and saidfirst prism are affixed to each other and said second lens and saidsecond prism are affixed to each other to define an cornealstroma lensadapted to be implanted into a cornea of an eye.
 31. The artificial lensof claim 24 wherein said first lens and said first prism are affixed toeach other and said second lens and said second prism are affixed toeach other to define a lens body of an intraocular lens.
 32. Theartificial lens of claim 31 further comprising resilient support meansoperatively connected to said lens body to define an intraocular lens.33. The artificial lens of claim 32 wherein said lens body has an outerperipheral surface for supporting said resilient support means.
 34. Theartificial lens of claim 33 wherein resilient support means comprisestwo haptic members equally spaced around said outer peripheral surfaceand in a plane substantially coplanar with the lens body.
 35. Theartificial lens of claim 32 wherein said resilient support meanscomprises three haptic members equally spaced around said outerperipheral surface and in a plane substantially coplanar with the lensbody.
 36. The artificial lens of claim 24 wherein each of said firstlens and said second lens has a proximal edge which are positionedadjacent to each other and wherein said first prism is positioned withits wedge-shaped edge located adjacent the proximal edge of said firstlens and said second lens.
 37. The artificial lens of claim 36comprising a second prism is having a base and wedge-shaped edge andwherein said wherein said second prism is positioned with itswedge-shaped edge located adjacent the proximal edge of the other ofsaid first lens and said second lens.
 38. An artificial lens adapted tobe located in an opening formed in a natural pupil of an eye wherein theeye has a macula, said artificial lens comprising a first lens systemfor receiving and directing light rays from a near object onto the foveaof the macula; and a second lens systems positioned inferior in aneccentric arrangement to the first lens system for receiving anddirecting light rays from a distant object onto the macula; said firstlens system and said second lens system each having a principal axiswhich are eccentric to each other and the distance therebetween isselected to situate at least one of the first lens system and the secondlens system within an opening formed in a natural pupil for directinglight rays from each image of each lens onto a macula of an eye.
 39. Theartificial lens of claim 38 wherein said distance between said principalaxes is about equal to the geometric dimension of the natural pupil. 40.The artificial lens of claim 38 wherein said eye includes an anteriorchamber and said first lens system and said second lens system includean extended objective plus lens adapted to extend into the anteriorchamber of the eye.
 41. The artificial lens of claim 40 wherein each ofsaid extended objective lens has a posterior end having a lens and aprism affixed hereto and positioned to direct paracentral light raysonto the macula of the eye and central light rays at least one ofsuperior and inferior of the macula.
 42. An optical lens for a human eyehaving a macula and a natural pupil and wherein an opening is formed inthe natural pupil comprising a lens body having an anterior surface anda posterior surface, said lens body including at least two eccentricallyarranged lens systems wherein the principal axis of each lens system iseccentric to each other and the distance between each principal axis isselected to enable at least one of the at least two lens systems to besituated within an opening formed in a natural pupil for directing lightrays from each image of each lens onto a macula of an eye in a manner toobtain an optical effect for substitution of the loss of accommodationof an eye.
 43. The optical lens of claim 42 wherein at least one of saidsystem includes a prism for passing different light rays from an object.44. The optical lens of claim 43 wherein the prism includes a firstprism section and a second prism section and wherein the first prismsection is adapted to direct the selected paracentral light rays fromeach object onto the macula of an eye and central light rays from adifferent object to at least one of a preselected location superior tothe macula and a preselected location inferior to the macula.
 45. Theoptical lens of claim 42 wherein the lens body has a central area and aneccentric superior area and wherein the prism is located in the superiorarea of the lens body.
 46. The optical lens of claim 45 wherein thecentral area of the lens body has a principal axis and wherein a secondprism section is located on the principal axis of the lens body. fromeach of different objects onto the macula.
 47. A contact lens comprisinga lens body, said lens body having a first optical lens and a secondoptical lens wherein each of said first optical lens system and saidsecond optical lens system having a principal axis which are eccentricto each other and at least one of the first optical lens system and thesecond optical lens system is adapted to be situated within an openingformed in a natural pupil for directing light rays from each image ofeach lens onto a macula of an eye.
 48. The contact lens of claim 47wherein the lens body has formed thereon a slightly raised, generallytriangular shaped anterior surface.
 49. The contact lens of claim 47wherein the lens body has formed thereon a slightly raised, generallycircular shaped anterior surface.
 50. The contact lens of claim 47wherein the lens body has a bottom surface shaped to provide a guidingsurface for the lower eyelid to enable an eye having the contact lens tobe rotated downward placing one of the lens system under a bottom eyelidof an eye.
 51. The contact lens of claim 48 wherein the lens body hasbottom section and includes a pair of spaced enlarged bottom sections toweight the bottom thereof so as to keep the lens system situated withinthe opening formed in the natural pupil.
 52. The contact lens of claim50 wherein the lens body has a bottom surface shaped to provide aguiding surface for the lower eyelid to enable an eye having the contactlens to be rotated downward placing one of the lens system under abottom eyelid of an eye.